Automobile body heater



May 13, 1941. c. H. F. wHlTLARK 2,241,753 u AUTOMOBILE BODY HEATER' Filed Feb. 8, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l.

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- Il Massf77/iff? AnoRNEYa" May 13, 1941. y c. H. F. wHlTLARK 2,241,753

AUTOMOBILE BODY HEATER Filed Feb. 8, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.

having a heater Patented May 13, 1941 Claude H. F.

Whitlark, Detroit,

Mich., assignor,

by mesne assignments, to Eaton Manufacturing Company, Ohio Cleveland, Ohio,

a corporation of Application February 8, 1937, Serial No. 124,595

4 Claims.

This invention relates yto heaters and in particular, relates .to a circular radiator heater for heating the interior of automobile bodies.

Objects of the invention are to provide an auto body heater having a plurality of fans so arranged relative to that hot air is discharged into the passenger comthe radiator core of the heater partaient and also against the windshield to thereby maintain the interior of the body at a comfortable temperature' and also to eliminate the presence of and prev nt the formation of ice, frost or the like on the Windshield; to mount two fans, one ofthe fans being of the centrifugal type, on opposite endsof a shaft -of a motor in such association with the core off an auto body heater that air drawn through the core is v'separated 'into a plurality of streams, one of the streams being into the passenger comand another of the streams directed y into a conduit leading to .the windshield; to provide a rotatably adjustable mounting for-battles on the iront of the heater so that the direction and volume of the air entering the passenger compartment may be effectively controlled; to provide a simplified structure for mounting and assembling the elements forming the heater; and to provide a heater construction which is simple to manufacture and efficient in use.

Other objects of the invention will. become (apparent from the vfollowing specification, the drawings relating thereto, and f-rom'rthe claims hereinafter set for-th. In the drawingsin which like numerals are usedk to designate like 'parts in the several views throughout?V Figure v1 is a partial elevational view with parts broken away of theinlterior of anautomobile associated therewith embodying features of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view body heater embodying features of invention:

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-,sectional view with parts in elevation taken substantially along the line 3--13 of Fig. 2;

4 is a vertical cross-sectional view, with parts kshown in elevation, taken substantially along the line I-l of Fig. 3;

Fig-51s an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken substantially in the direction of the aro! Fi rows 6-6 s. 3;

111g. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross- `eco-f an auto the present tional view taken substantially 1--1 of Fig. 3;

along the line Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing a modification of cer-tain details of the present invention; and

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating a modified structure for certain details of the'present invention.

The present invention relates in certainfeatures to .the structure disclosed and claimed in the co-pending application of Claude H. F. Whit lark and Frederick A. Wiehe, Jr., Serial No. 94,- 588, filed August 6, 1936.

In cold weather operation, it is desirable to maintain the interior of passenger vehicles in a warm condition and it, is also necessary to preventthe formation of ice on the windshield to.

thereby eliminate a hazardous driving condition. According to the present invention, air is heated by drawing it through a hot water radiator core which is substantially circular in shape; and the heated air is then partment and also against the rear face of the windshield. lA new and simplified structure for so directing the heated air is provided in the present invention by mounting ytwo fans on the shaft of a motor mounted'within the core. The forward fan forces the air outwardly through the heater opening into the passenger compartment; and the other fan is of the centrifugal type and is mounted adjacent the rear of the heater within a housing which confines the heated air therein and communicates with a conduit which carries the heated air to a position preferably at the lower inner edge of the windshield.'

Also according to the present invention, im-

proved means Vfor rotatably mounting adjustable preferably formed uni-t so that the baiiles over the outlet of the heater are provided. These means comprise a plurality of bailles, each of the bailies `being independently adjustable, with means for rotating all of the baffles as a direction and volume of air entering .the passenger compartment may be effectively Y controlled.

For a better understanding of the reference may be had to the drawings in which an automobile body heater generally designated at `Ill is mounted upon a supporting member I2, iviich is preferably the dashboard of the vehicle The heater structure comprises a base plate N, of a sheet metal stamping,

, substantially circular in shape and having a peripheral vided with ange I6.l The base plate I4 is prodiametrically opposed openings I8 adforced into the passenger com- I itl tube 2d is connected in communication with the interior of the header. rl'he header tube it fits within the -bushing 2li which in turn iits through an opening in the dash. The heater is thus held in place on the dash by means of nuts 28 or the like which may be threaded over the bushing 2li.

Substantially semi-'circular iiattened cross tubes 3Q communicate with the interior of thel header through the transverse openings in the header. and thus communicate the upper and lower headers with each other, and with the headers form a substantially circular core :for the heater. The tubes 30 are preferably elongated in one" transverse direction through the tubes so that they have dat side portions directed radially inwardly of the heater. Radiatingjdns v32 are secured to one of the substantially :dat

portions of each tube and are located in assembled position between adjacent tubes.

The radiating ns 32 are preferably formed from a sheet metal strip of a material with goed heat conducting characteristics, preferably copper, and are so arranged relative to the tubes acume shape for e. greater portion of the distance around the centrifugal ian and is provided with an outwardly extending portion or nozzle 52 which has substantially tangential communication with the chamber adjacent the outer periphery of the centrifugal fan. The portion 52 extends outwardly into contact with the inner surface hicle i3, as shown in Fig. l.

that substantially radially directed grooves or conduits are provided for passage of air from vthe outside through the core into the interior of the core.

The back plate i4 has a substantially central offset portion 34 providing a substantially circular opening 36 adjacent the rear face of the back plate. ,The offset portion 34 is provided with elongated openings 36 therethrough at spaced intervals therearound; and also has a iront face portion 38 having a substantially central opening 40 therethrough.

The offset portion 34 provides a shroudffor a motor $2 which is mounted therein, preferably by securing the motor to the front face portion 38 thereof in a. suitable manner. 4

The shaft 44 of the motor 42 extends outwardly' beyond each end of the motor, and a fan 48 is secured to the shaft 44 adjacent the forward end thereof for rotationwith the motor shaft. A centrifugal fan 43, preferably of the Sirocco type, is also mounted on the shaft 44 for rotation therewith adjacent the rear end of the l shaft. The centrifugal fan 4I is preferably of such a diameter that its outer periphery extends outwardly beyond theedge of the opening 36 for ,a slight distance.

A housing 50 which is substantially circular in shape for a greater portion of the circumference of the fan 48 encloses the -fau 48 and is suitably secured to the rear face of the back plate i4. Referring to Fig. 3. it can be seen that the housing 50 cooperates with the back plate I4 adjacent the outer periphery of the fan 48 isoform an air conning chamber for the air discharged from th centrifugal fan 4l around the periphery thereof.

Referring mrncuimiyA to Fig. 4, it can be seen th the housing il' is substantially circular in ings preferably provided in the rear edge of the Y 'windshield garnish molding.

l'f it isnot desiredto provide the conduits for directing the hot air against 4the windshield for the purpose of defrosting the same, a modied structure is illustrated lin Fig. 8 in which the Aadapter 56 is removed, and a cover plate Sli is secured tov the back plate i4 over the opening d4 through the flanged portion i6.

i modified structure for providing the air connning chamber, or conduit, adjacent the outer periphery of the, centrifugal fan 48 is illustrated in Fig. 9 in which the housing 50 and fan d8 having diameters substantially the same as the diameter of the opening 36 provided in the back plate i4 are mounted adjacent the opening 3S; and an annular ring $6 is interposed between the -housing 50 and the back plate I4. The annular ring 66 has an annular portion which extends radially inwardly of the outer periphery of the centrifugal ,fan 48 and forms with the housing 50 an air confining chamber or conduit in which the peripheral portion of the fan 48 is shrouded.

By the` construction shown in the modification,l

terlally Shortens the heater in: length und 8.130

connes the discharged air to the opening 1I.

A door or baille supporting ring 12, preferably formed of a sheet metal stamping is substantially circular in shapeV with a, substantially circular opening 14 at its forward face and is provided with a. radially outwardly directedvannular flange 1 6 which is adapted to bear against the forward face of theshroud 6I.

Means are ing ring 'I2 relative to the shroud Il so that the supporting ring 12 may be rotatably adjusted relative to the shroud Il and. therefore, to the forwardly facing opening of the heater core. These mounting means comprise a plurality of spring elements 18 suitably secured as by riveting, for example, to :the shroud il adjacent the outer peripherygthereof 4at spaced intervals vtherearound. Each of .the spring elements 18 comrate ring, it is necessary to blank out those por-f prises a portion' 80 having a curvature completions of the ring it is desired to chrome plate. mentary in shape to that ofthe outer peripheral This is an expensive operation and is dispensed edge of the supporting ring 12 and a spring porwith. in the present construction. Further, by .tion 82 which is adapted to resiliently engage the 5 providing the separate ring with the olf-set porannular ilanged portion -16 of the ring 12 aciia-A 'tions ||4, a better appearing structure results as ycent the outer edge thereof. Referring particuthe lsecuring means is not visible: larly to Figs. 2, 5 and '1, it is evident that the In operation, the air is radially drawn into portions 80 tof the spring .elements 18 provide the interior of .the core by means of fans v46 and supporting guides for the ring 12, and the spring lo 48 and is heated ,by the tubular elements 30 and portions 82 frictionally hold the ring 12 in rotatfins 32. The air within the core is separated able sliding engagement with the shroud 68'. Al into ltwo streams, one of the streams being forced handle 84, having a knobthereon, is fixed to the outwardly through the forwardly facing opening supporting ring 12 and provides a means by which of lthe core'by means of the fan 46 past the bai.- the ring 12 may be rotated relative to the shroud. 15' fles 86, 88 and 90 into the passenger compartment.

T-he spring portions 82 of the elements 1'8 main- The direction and volume of the air entering tain the supporting ring.12 in any adjusted pothe passengercompartment may be varied as -f sition.. desired by suitable adjustments of the baflle's 86,

A plurality of baffles, or doors 86, 88- and 80 are 88 and 90 and suitable positioning of the supportmounted to the supporting ring 12 by means of heater core. By'thestructure above described,

92, 94 and 06 arexed to the inner surface of into the passenger compartment in any direction the supporting ring 12 by means of an arcuate desired.

structure. Apair of hinges areprovided foreach into the center of the fan and forces the air baille so that each bailieis hingedly supported at outwardly into the chamber formed by the housopposite edges. f ing 50 vwith the back plate |4 from which the Viewing Figs. 2 and 3, the baie 86 is prefer- 30 air is directed by the conduit 58 .toa position ably pivotally mounted at substantially its transimmediately behind and below the windshield.

verse center toits hinged support 92; and the By the structure above described, it is evident battles 88 and 90 are preferably pivotally mountthat a simplified structure has been provided ed to their hinged supports 84 and 96 respecby which the interior of a vehicle may be maintively, adjacent their upper edges. Meanssuch 35 tained at a comfortable temperature during cold as handles 98 are preferably provided for each weather and by which the formation of frost of the bailies so that each' of the b aiilesmay be and ice on the windshield is prevented. manually grasped and pivoted about its respec- Formal kchanges may be made in the specific tive hinges.

A substantially circular screen Vmember |02 40 departing from the spirit and substance of the having aring |04 embracing the outer peripheral invention, the scope of which is commensurate edge thereof is preferably mounted within the with the appended claims. 'supporting ring 12 behind the baiiies and for- What is claimed is: wardly of the fan 46. j l. A heater for an automobile having a wind- A front cover |05 substantially circular in 45 shield, comprising; upper and lower'headers, a shape and having a central opening |06 is proplurality of curved tubular elements connected vided over the front of the core, theedge of to and communicating with said upper and lowthe opening |06 engaging the outer. surface of er headers forming a substantially annular core, the supporting ring '12 adjacent the forw-ardedge a motor mounted within said annular core, a thereof. The outermost edge |08 ofthe 'iront 50 fan mounted on one end of the shaftl of said cover |05 is ,preferably llanged outwardly and motor, a shroud mo ted on said core having a engages the shroud 6a adjacent the periphery, portion extending rearwardly in Surrounding rethereof, I lation to said fan to provide a confining discharge The cover plate |05 is removably held in place opening for the heated air drawn through the on the core against ithe Vshroud by` means of m55 core, a centrifugal fan mounted on the other end ring ||0 which has a portion ||2 engaging :the of said shaft, a second shroud having` 'openings tion substantially normal vto the portion ||2 which to said motor and communicating with the inengages the outer peripheral edge of the shroud let of said centrifugal fan, means forming an air 68. 50 confining chamber adjacent the outer periph- In order to removably hold the ring ||0 inposiery of said centrifugal fan, and means forming tion on the core, the ring ||0 is provided with a conduit comm eating with Said chamber and therethrough at spaced intervals around the ring, extends to a position adiacent said windshield to Spring strips H8 which have inwardly curved 65y discharge .heated air against said windshield.' rear edges which iit within depressions in the 2. A heater for an automobile having a windflange I6 oi the back plate '|4 and have front shield,comprising; upper and lowerfheaders, a tongues |20 which fit within the openings ||6 plurality of curved tubular elements connected in the portions |4. to and communicating with said upper and lower An important advantage of using the ring ||0 70 headers forming a substantially annular core, a to hold the cover plate |05 in place is that the back-plate, Said back-plate having a forwardly cost of the heater is materially reduced. The extending portion within said core and having ring ||0 forms a decorative chrome-plated por- Openings therethrough, a motor mounted withtion; and when the face plate is constructed with in said forwardlyk extending portion of said back an integral a ular portion simuarto-the sepa- 75 plate. e shaft for Said meter extending atboth provided over the opening 14 and are pivotally :20 ing ring 12 by rotating-the ring relativeto the hinges 92, 94 and 96, respectively. The hinges the desired amount of hot air may :be directed.

hinge support 8| so that the supporting ring 25 The fan 484dravvs the heated air within the with the baflies mounted thereon form a unitary core through the openings 36 in the shroud 42 l embodiments of the invention described without flanged portion |08 of the iront cover and a portherethrough mounted in surrounding relation y inwardly oif'set portions ||4 havingropenings ||6 adapted for. connection to an extension which surroor ring rela centrifuge .fh and eeoneroiihg with f. JJr of said heel; to if g chamber adjaeeht the outer lpfiery or' ..id centrifugal ian, and means forming a coriduit communicating 'Vith said ohrliiher and adapted for Connection 'to an extension which extends tova position adjaeent said windshield to discharge heated air against said windshield.

An automobile heater comprising en :mnular heat-exchange core, a easing providing oevers at the ends of the core and having en leir inlet opening extending peripherally of the core, one of said covers having en oir delivery opening therein and the other cover having thereon e blower housing provided with an air intake ,opening inside the core and an air delivery nozzle extending to the outside of the casing, e motor mounted on said other cover4 and extending axially within the riore, a propeller fan on one end of the motor shaft and arranged to Aoperate in said delivery opening for drawing cool air in through the peripheral opening and discharging heated air at said delivery opmln'g, and e, `slower on the other end of the motor shaft 4operable in said blower'housizig ier oir from within the core and discharging it through :Td nozzle ,1. automobile heater comprising on o :ruler heat-exchange core, e, eff' ing r soif-ers at the ends of sore and h inlet opening extending peripheraily ,he core: one of said covers having an air delivery ope- 121g therein Aand the other over having hollow portion thereon extending axially Within the oore and provided with an air inlet opening, housirig seotion cooperating with said hollow portion to form a. blower housing having a delivery nozzle extending to the outside of the casing, e motor disposed in said hollow portion and supported thereby, e. propeller fan on one end of the motor shaft arranged to operate in said delivery opening for drawing cool air in through the peripheral opening and discharging heated air at seid delivery opening, and a blower on the other end of ther motor shaft and operable in said blower housing for taking heated air from Within the core and discharging it through said nozzle.

CLAUDE H. F. NHITLRK. 

